The drivers continue to hold licences despite accumulating the 12 penalty points that would normally see them banned, a situation described as “very concerning” by the RAC.
New figures obtained by the RAC via a Freedom of Information request to the DVLA reveal that 4,154 individuals in the UK have been permitted to keep driving.
Some of these drivers have racked up far more than 12 points; 117 hold more than 20, while two individuals have amassed 43 and 45 points.
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Simon Williams, head of policy at the RAC, said: “It’s very concerning that so many repeat speeders have been allowed to carry on driving despite amassing 12 points or more which would normally lead to them losing their licences – and for very good reason given that speeding is one of the leading factors in the most serious collisions on our roads.
“A better solution for people like this who have demonstrated a compelling need to the court to be allowed to continue driving would be for them to have devices fitted to their vehicles that prevent them speeding again.
“Our research also identifies strong support among drivers for those who speed excessively to have to have these devices.
“We urge the Government to consider giving courts the power to order repeat and excessive speeders to have Intervening ISA devices fitted to all their vehicles.
“This will save lives and reduce the number of speed-related collisions on our roads – something which completely aligns with the casualty reduction targets listed in the Road Safety Strategy.”
Intervening Intelligent Speed Assistance (IISA) is a technology that physically prevents a vehicle from exceeding the speed limit, except in limited emergency override scenarios, which are logged and can be reviewed.
This is different from the Advisory ISA systems now standard in most new cars.
The RAC is backing the Stop Excessive Speeders campaign, which calls for courts to be given powers to mandate the use of IISA devices for repeat or excessive offenders.
Research conducted by the RAC in response to a government consultation found that 86 percent of drivers support new measures targeting excessive speeders.
A separate survey commissioned by the Stop Excessive Speeders campaign found that eight out of 10 drivers surveyed said they would support proposals for anyone caught excessively speeding, or who has been caught speeding multiple times, to have an ‘Intervening Intelligent Speed Assistance’ device fitted to their car to prevent them exceeding the limit again.
While the Government’s Road Safety Strategy looks at the benefits of Advisory ISA in the context of vehicle safety technology, it makes no reference to the potential use of Intervening ISA as part of a targeted offender intervention programme for repeat or excessive speeders.
This is despite 2024 road casualty data showing excessive speed as a contributing factor in 20 percent of fatal collisions.
A spokesperson for the Stop Excessive Speeders campaign said: “Excessive speed remains one of the leading causes of death on our roads, and the public clearly recognises the need for action.
“What our research shows is that people instinctively understand the link between tackling dangerous driving and saving lives.
“Intervening Intelligent Speed Assistance is a practical, proportionate solution, targeting repeat offenders while allowing the vast majority of drivers to go about their daily lives without disruption.”
A Parliamentary event will be held later today to give MPs the chance to learn about the technology.
Currently, drivers who reach 12 or more points face an automatic ban but can sometimes avoid disqualification if they can show a ban would cause “exceptional hardship.”
